Mouse Chip Firmware Update Without Reboot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mouse devices require cessation of navigation functions and system rebooting when updating firmware in flash memory, disrupting continuous operation.
Innovation Solution
A control chip with additional hardware that allows direct return value reply for ongoing function calls without reading from flash during updates, and an operating method that uses separate buses for reading function return values and updating firmware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If firmware update is performed by stopping all firmware operations and entering programming mode, then firmware can be updated in flash memory, but navigation function operation is interrupted and system reboot is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the firmware into two separate storage locations: navigation firmware stored in ROM and driver firmware stored in flash memory. This segmentation allows the navigation firmware to continue executing from ROM while the driver firmware in flash is being updated, thus maintaining navigation functionality during the update process without requiring system reboot
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dual-bus architecture with a first bus for reading function return values from flash and a second bus for updating firmware in flash. This intermediary bus structure enables simultaneous read and write operations on flash memory, allowing the system to retrieve function return values while updating firmware without interrupting navigation operations
2Speed
If flash memory is used to store function code for random access, then navigation function can be executed, but flash cannot be updated without stopping all operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the firmware storage into navigation firmware in ROM and driver firmware in flash memory. The navigation firmware that requires fast execution is stored in ROM for rapid access, while the driver firmware in flash can be updated independently without affecting the execution speed of navigation functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dedicated first bus for reading function return values from flash memory and a second bus for updating flash memory. This dual-bus intermediary structure enables simultaneous read and write operations, maintaining fast function execution while enabling easy firmware updates without operation cessation
3Reliability
If system reboot is performed after firmware update, then updated firmware can be loaded, but continuous operation is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting firmware into navigation firmware in ROM and driver firmware in flash, the patent enables the navigation firmware to continue executing from ROM during and after the flash update process, eliminating the need for system reboot and avoiding operational downtime
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous navigation function operation during firmware updates by executing navigation firmware from ROM while simultaneously updating driver firmware in flash through the dual-bus architecture. This ensures uninterrupted useful action without system reboot, eliminating downtime
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a mouse chip including a flash chip, a flash controller and a random access memory. The flash chip is embedded with a firmware, which is recorded with a flash driver and user configurations. Each time the mouse chip is powered on, the flash controller reads the flash driver and the user configurations from the firmware to the random access memory for being updated if necessary.